10 minutes with Dr Hobart

What was your first job, and what did it teach you?

I had several jobs on the go during my high school and university days - including tutoring, working at a restaurant, working at a gift shop, working at the university club and editing a book – often at the same time, to fund my travels. I learned to manage my time very effectively and to work hard to achieve goals.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

That I grew up on the Darling Downs and that my family has been involved in the community for six generations.

If you weren’t working in education, what do you think you’d be doing?

I have loved teaching for a long time. I can’t think of wanting to do anything else. 

What’s one book (or podcast) you think everyone should read (or listen to)?

There are so many to choose from… and what someone loves to read or listen to may not be for someone else. I have been recently listening to the audio book, ‘Outlive’, by Peter Attia. It tackles the age-old question of how to live better for longer and has great scientifically backed advice for living a healthy life, which others may find as useful as I have.

How do you like to unwind?

Getting outdoors and taking my dogs for a walk. Otherwise, reading a good book.

Coffee or tea? Early bird or night owl?

An early bird, definitely - who loves a good chai latte.

What drew you to Fairholme?

Fairholme has a fantastic tradition of academics and wellbeing, balanced with opportunity to continue to flourish into the future – amazing students and families, terrific staff, an exceptional board, all set in beautiful Toowoomba.

How lucky am I? I am truly humbled and honoured to be asked to take on the responsibility of being the 14th principal in its history.

Can you tell us about a moment in your career that shaped your leadership style?

While successes are amazing and need to be celebrated, it is often in life that the biggest learnings come from disappointments that you have along the way.

They are not always easy, but in retrospect they can often lead you into directions that are even better than where you originally thought.

Reflecting on those moments with amazing mentors who have encouraged and taught me along the way have helped carve my leadership path and style.

How would your former colleagues describe you in three words?

My colleagues have called me caring, collaborative and innovative over the years.

What are your top priorities for your first year at Fairholme?

Fairholme is a wonderful school already, so it is important to me to listen and then add value where I possibly can, particularly as we finish the Strategic Plan. Learning everyone’s name is also at the top of the list!

How do you define a successful school community?

Where everyone is working in synergy for the betterment of the students in our care. 

Every young woman at Fairholme, has the potential to make positive impact on the world she lives in and lead into an exciting future.

To do accomplish this, great schools build solid foundations – literacy, numeracy and the ability to think through critically engaging with core subjects.

They also provide opportunities for students to find their passions, work out who they are by developing their character in a supportive and caring environment, and help them discover what they would like to do next on their lifelong learning journey beyond school.

To be exceptional, the young women and their community then contribute to ensuring the next generation flourishes too.

What role do you see communication and connection playing in your leadership?

Relationships are at the core of a young person’s success at school and communication and connection underpin this. Relationships form the basis on which we can grow sensational learning opportunities.

What are you most excited about as you begin this new chapter?

I am really excited about immersing myself in the community and getting to know the girls, families and staff. I can’t wait to get started!

Favourite holiday destination?

While I have loved travelling around the world, Australia still has the most wonderful places to visit. We have just finished a six-week trip to Tasmania and cherished the diversity of landscapes and experiences that it had to offer – from rugged coastlines to walking the wilds of Cradle Mountain. We are exceptionally lucky to live in this beautiful country.

Hidden talent?

Finding the brooch section of any vintage shop.

Song currently on repeat?

Any song by Boy and Bear and Crowded House.

Describe Fairholme in one word…

Potentia (Latin for strength and potential).